Sunday, March 01, 2015
Dear Riley:
We enjoyed your last letter and had a good laugh over the rodent (rat?) in your bathroom. I think I’d be pouring concentrated caustic down my drain before putting a heavy weight on top of the drain cover. We’ve also enjoyed hearing of your continued adventures in Thai cuisine. Though, I confess you have your mother more than a little concerned over your willingness to order food blindly from a menu. I assured her there is no epidemic of people coming to significant harm by engaging in such a practice. We should also remember that there are many foods worldwide which, though unappetizing, would still be considered wholesome from a dietary requirement standpoint. Anyway, as a missionary aren’t you supposed to be able to ingest poison and suffer no harm…? I’m not suggesting that you tempt God, but imagine if you were to inadvertently place yourself at risk you might well be afforded an extra measure of protection.
We just survived the first of the year birthday onslaught. We wrapped up February with Parker’s Birthday celebration. The meals, once he finally decided, were a somewhat eclectic combination of delectable creations. He’s really doing well right now; growing up in stature and maturity. He and Cambry have become good friends and he commented the other day on just how much he relies on her advice in navigating the treacherous waters of female relations. He really is coming into his own and seems to be in a good place right now. We just renewed his driving permit by paying for his actual license. All that remains are his road hours and a parent’s signature.
The weather here has been cold with snow flurries. I think of the contrast between our climate and yours and can’t wait to hear about how hot the hot season is. Bro. G was stationed in Thailand as a fighter pilot and spent a lot of time going back a forth between the US and Thailand. He follows your experiences with interest and compares his experiences and impressions with yours. He spoke of running in the pouring rain because he wasn’t getting any more wet by doing so. It just was considerably more refreshing than sweat…
We had a nice Sabbath worship today. I was touched by the testimonies borne in ways which surprised me. I realized I’m much more affected by the spirit and by elements of the restoration, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. I guess I’m in mourning and wish all my loved ones were willing to feel what is so vivid and real in my spiritual journey. The blessings of the gospel in my life are quantifiable, measurable and undeniable. I seek guidance and it comes. I ask and it is given in many instances. I have been told things through the Spirit which I couldn’t have known any other way. I have seen prophecy fulfilled and experienced pure knowledge being poured into my mind in which I understood things which I lacked the capacity to explain. This is the spiritual oil spoken of in Christ’s parable which can’t be shared and it’s both sad and frustrating. All we can do is pray, invite, testify, and love.
Well, dinner’s on I need to go. Salmon for breaking the fast! Sorry, I’ll eat an extra portion for you. Below is a message I contributed to the Ward Messenger you might appreciate. Sure love and miss you, but there is nothing I would desire more for you right now than to be engaged in this work. Stay obedient and humble. God will work miracles through you.
Love,
Dad
Faith, Testimony, and the World
This winter I undertook a project in my garage which necessitated a relocation of much of its contents. As I removed a large sheet of Slatwall hanging against some unfinished drywall I noticed a small portion of drywall behind it and up against the ceiling with no paper facing. This was a new development since I installed the Slatwall a number of years ago, so I examined the area more closely. Dirt tailings, very small trails of black spots, and a nearly imperceptible dirt shelter tunnel leading from a crack in the floor up the foundation wall behind my refrigerator confirmed my suspicions. I had termites! Removing several sheets of drywall revealed the full extent of the damage Fortunately, I had caught it early enough to stop the progress in its tracks. Though damage was extensive in parts, the vital structural components of the home had not been compromised. As I set about cleaning up and taking steps to arrest the progress of these small but insidious creatures, I was impressed by their capacity to undermine the integrity of a structure which had endured for decades, and which, with proper care, could last for many decades more. I noted their aversion to light, and how they went to great lengths to create a world sheltered from the light. There in the darkness, unnoticed, unencumbered, they went to work. Left unchallenged it would only be a matter of time before the termites brought significant portions of the house down.
Two weeks ago, someone very dear to me sent a long letter announcing his decision to leave the Church. This was quite a shock and seemed an extraordinarily rapid transformation from full belief in the Gospel to questioning the very existence of God. Most members in my immediate and extended family were un-swayed by the arguments and conclusions drawn. Some could quickly discern the obvious fallacies and holes in his logic. I wondered at the contrast between those firmly rooted in the faith and those with a shaky foundation and how one individual could be so radically moved, while another could remain so wholly unaffected. It occurred to me that while on the surface the departure appeared rapid, more obscure elements had been at work over a longer period; Elements, working in darkness which were allowed to go unchallenged, unchecked; Elements which had been eating away at the structural integrity of his faith and testimony.
So, what steps can we take to counteract the eroding influence of the world on faith and testimony? Just as termites seek the darkness while they perform their destructive work, those who fight against God and deny the atonement of Christ, also walk in darkness. As such, it is no surprise that the things of God appear foolish to them. Christ stated “I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” (D&C 10:58). In contrast God promises “if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” (D&C 88:67)
I suppose we could conclude from these scriptures that if we’re not yet full of light and don’t comprehend all things, then our eye is not yet single to God’s glory. Perhaps a few introspective questions would help us adjust our focus. Do we place greater importance on the things of God than we do the things of the world? Do we honestly strive to be obedient to God’s commandments? Do we properly repent when we fail to please God? Are we honest in our tithes and offerings? Do we seek to draw near to God through fasting and prayer? Do we regularly pray in faith with sufficient intent to reach the heavens? Do we avoid offending the Spirit and are we quick to follow its promptings? Are we willing to acknowledge God’s hand in our lives? Do we truly feast on the word of God and is it delicious to us? Do we selflessly serve others and are we engaged in a good cause? In short, do we serve God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength?
These are the things which build faith, testimony, and understanding. These are the things which produce sweet fruits within the gospel framework. These are the things which allow us to discern between the wisdom of God and the philosophies of the world. These are the things, which if neglected, will gradually but steadily eat away at our faith and testimony. That we may commit to strengthen our faith against the eroding effects of the world by keeping our eyes single to God’s glory is my continued prayer.
Bishop Parish
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